Many of YSA members struggle with addictions and immorality, and often find it difficult to believe that they have been fully forgiven of their sins. Here are some thoughts on how to help our YSA members find healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Since most YSA disciplinary councils deal with moral issues of one form or another, you will also find principles for conducting loving disciplinary councils, including ideas for ways to help members repent, resources for dealing with addictions (including pornography), and general guidelines for bringing members into full fellowship.

Elizabeth K. Ryser Ensign, Jul 1986, 22 In the beautiful passage of scripture referred to as the psalm of Nephi (2 Ne. 4:15–35), the prophet looks inward, and in the process reveals to us his magnificent heart. I identify with Nephi as he describes his struggle to be a Saint in a world where Satan…

Burke Peterson Ensign, Nov. 1993, 42 My brethren, with tender feelings I greet you in the spirit of love and respect. My thanks for all the good you do in behalf of our Father’s children all over the world. This evening I hope you can understand the concern this assignment has given me. Expecting that…

Elder Richard G. Scott Ensign, May 2000, 36 Each of us absolutely must help each daughter of God we can to realize what sacred characteristics Father in Heaven has given her. There is one title that the First Presidency and the Twelve seldom use, considering it too sacred—that of Apostle. It is in that role…

President James E. Faust October Conference 2000 “Each of us needs to train ourselves to be bold, disciplined, and loyal men of the priesthood who are prepared with the proper weapons to fight against evil and to win.” My dear brethren of the priesthood, I express my love and appreciation for each of you. We…

Mark H. Butler I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, and also a practicing and believing Christian. In my work with individuals struggling with addictive behaviors such as sexual compulsions, alcohol and other drug abuse, and pornography, I have learned the power of God’s grace—in conjunction with the best practices from the therapy profession—to…

Dieter F. Uchtdorf Ensign, May 2007, 99–101 What Does True Repentance Consist Of? We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent. Our faith has to include a “correct idea of [God’s] character, perfections, and attributes” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 38). If we believe that God knows all things, is loving, and…

Michael D. Gardner Ensign, Jul 2008, 50–53 It’s difficult to watch your spouse make harmful choices. But hope and peace are available— for both of you. In my work as a therapist, rarely a day passes when I don’t hear from someone who wonders how he or she can help a spouse overcome an addiction….

Spencer W. Kimball Ensign, Mar 1982, 2 “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.” (D&C 58:42–43.) The purging out of sin would be…

By Kenneth L. Higbee Ensign, Sep 1972, 83 A newspaper editor, speaking to a college graduating class, asked, “How many of you have ever sawed wood? Let’s see your hands.” Many hands went up. Then he asked, “How many of you have ever sawed sawdust?” No hands went up. “Of course, you can’t saw sawdust!”…

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